Footballer with 'heart of gold' dies in Wrexham river tragedy

Rick Williams, 31, who has died in a river tragedy in Wrexham (Image: Wrexham FC DSA)

Sign up to FREE email alerts from NorthWalesLive - daily

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. OurPrivacy Noticeexplains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

“Sadly we were given the shocking news that one of our players Rick Williams has passed away. Rick, who was one of our goalkeepers, was a great example of not letting his learning disability get in the way of his everyday life.

“Today Rick went out to Ty Mawr with his friends and project leader Wayne Greenshields who was Rick’s best friend. He sadly collapsed at the side of the River Dee after swimming across. Although members of the public and friends tried to resuscitate Rick it wasn’t to be.”

He said: “Everyone involved with Wrexham DSA FC are devastated. No words can explain the bond we have at our club but we are one big family. To lose someone at any age is tough but at 31 with no health issues is incredibly hard to process.

“Rick was a one off with a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone.”

Read More

Related Articles

Mr Austin thanked members of the public who rushed to Mr Williams’ aid as well as the emergency services.

He said: “We would like to thank the members of the public who tried to help Rick, Merit and the emergency services who tried to help him at the scene. My thoughts go out to his family and Wayne’s family who he was very close to. R.I.P mate!!”

A spokesman said: “North Wales Police can confirm that they were alerted by the Welsh Ambulance Service to an incident which occurred at 2.51pm this afternoon (Sunday 23 April) on the River Dee in the Newbridge area near Wrexham.

“A 31-year-old male local to the area was taken ill in the river and despite best efforts was pronounced dead at the scene.

“It is too early to speculate what caused his death but it is not believed that there any suspicious circumstances. His family and next of kin have been informed, as has the coroner.”